The Seen and the Unseen - hosted by Amit Varma

Ep 420: Siddhartha Basu Is in the Hot Seat

5 snips

Jun 16, 2025

Siddhartha Basu, a revered figure in quizzing and television known for shows like Kaun Banega Crorepati, shares his insights on India's evolving identity over the past decades. He explores the art of questioning and the impact of iconic programs on culture. Basu reflects on his journey from theater to quizzing, emphasizing the importance of curiosity and balance in knowledge. He also discusses the challenges of regional languages and the transformative power of childhood experiences, intertwining personal anecdotes with wider societal reflections.

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INSIGHT

India's Complex Democratic Experiment

India began as a hopeful grand experiment of diversity and democracy.
Current societal polarization and authoritarian trends deeply concern Siddhartha Basu.

INSIGHT

Celebrating India's Diversity

India's strength lies in its diversity and plurality.
Monoculture attempts undermine this greatness and are dangerous to society.

INSIGHT

Power of Breadth and Depth

Combining depth and breadth of knowledge enriches understanding and engagement.
Good quiz questions reveal layers and spark an "aha" moment in the audience.

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